Research on Queen Elizabeth Inspired Films

In Sharon's class we watched a short part of the film Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett which I finished watching at home in my own time. We were given other films to also research that would help us see different versions of how Queen Elizabeth has been recreated.

 

Fire Over England

               

Year of Production: 1936

 Directors: William K Howard

Main Cast: Flora Robson

Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier
Make-up artist - Unknown

"The war between England and Spain in the late 16th century serves as backdrop for the fictional machinations of Fire Over England. Laurence Olivier plays a British naval officer who offers his services to Queen Elizabeth (Flora Robson) after his father is executed by the Spaniards. The queen dispatches Olivier to the court of Spain, there to determine which of her courtiers are actually spies for King Philip (Raymond Massey). Working under cover, Olivier learns that the Spaniards intend to send an armada to decimate the British navy. Barely escaping with his life, Olivier relays this information to his queen and also dispatches the traitors in her midst."
From what I can see the makeup and hairstyle used in this film is very much similiar to how Elizabeth is protrayed in Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett. The fair eyebrows and high forehead make Elizabeth instantly noticable and although the film is in black and white you can see that the make-up used was quite light but effective. The jewels and pearls are also a statement Elizabeth accessory.

Refrences: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fire_over_england/
Image References: http://northeasthistorytour.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/dame-flora-robson-nz371658.html

         The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex

 

Year of Production:1939

Director: Michael Cutiz

Main Cast:Bette Davies, Errol Flynn, Olivia De Havilland, Donald Crisp, Alan Hale.

Make-up Artist: Perc Westmore

 

 

"This period drama frames the tumultuous affair between Queen Elizabeth I and the man who would be King of England, Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. Ever the victor on the battlefield, Devereux returns to London after defeating Spanish forces at Cadiz. Middle-aged Elizabeth, so attracted to the younger Devereux but fearful of his influence and popularity, sends him on a new mission: a doomed campaign to Ireland. When he and his troops return in defeat, Devereux demands to share the throne with the heir-less queen, and Elizabeth, at first, intends to marry. Ultimately sensing the marriage would prove disastrous for England, Elizabeth sets in motion a merciless plan to protect her people and preserve her throne."

Bette Davies was extremely committed to this role as an actress, for her role as Elizabeth she agreed to shave the front of her forehead to give a correct interpretation of Queen Elizabeth and the high forehead she fashioned and I think this is admirable. Her eyebrows were bleached too to add to this effect and the audience saw a completely different version of Bette Davies who was well known for her beauty, but her determination to become Elizabeth was well recieved and she won an academy award for the role.

 

References: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031826/

Image References: http://www.themakeupgallery.info/period/c16/uk/elizabeth/essex.htm

http://eves-reel-life.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/cmba-movies-of-1939-blogathon-private.html 

 

 

Elizabeth

 

Year of Production:1998

Director: Shekhar Kapur

Main Cast: Cate Blanchett, Geoffory Rush, Christopher Eccelstone, Joseph Fiennes

Make-up Artist:Anitta Burger

Hair and Make-up Designer: Jenny Shicore  

 

"London, 1554. England is rife with intrigue. Elizabeth, born of royal lineage (the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn), imprisoned by her half- sister Mary, when she is 16, is swept onto the throne and crowned Queen of England at 23. To survive, Elizabeth must suss out hidden agendas in her court, on the battlefield, in the church, and in those closest to her. The male-dominated ruling class would appear to have the advantage, but Elizabeth will deploy whatever means necessary to keep, or take, what is rightfully hers. This young woman of intelligence and vitality will toughen herself into the imposing icon of legend...Elizabeth I."

This is by far my favourite interpretation of Elizabeth played by Cate Blanchett who I believe captured Elizabeth as a person perfectly (from what we already know!) At the beginning of the film she starts off innocent and niave and as the film continues she seems to aquire a sense of nobility and power and really starts to take control of her image and those around her.  

 

References: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1084153-elizabeth/

Image Reference: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/cate-blanchett/images/13443704/title/elizabeth-screencap